Slovenia vote winner Cerar nominated as PM

Slovenian President Borut Pahor on Tuesday nominated the winner of last month's election, political newcomer Miro Cerar, as prime minister of the troubled eurozone state, AFP reports.

"I believe (Cerar) will carry out this demanding task conscientiously and successfully," Pahor told journalists, although the appointment still has to be approved by parliament.

Cerar, a law professor and constitutional expert who won the July 13 snap vote following Prime Minister Alenka Bratusek's resignation in May, has already started talks to form a coalition with three centre-left parties, including Bratusek's new formation.

The outgoing premier stepped down after just over a year in office after she lost the leadership of the centre-left Positive Slovenia (PS) party.

During Bratusek's time in office, Slovenia avoided a feared bailout and recapitalised its state-owned banks. But it also saw a sharp increase in public debt and failed to stabilise public finances.

Campaigning as a fresh face in Slovenian politics beset by squabbling politicians and shady dealings, Cerar and his newly-formed SMC party won 36 seats in the 90-seat parliament, just a month after he announced his candidacy.

Parliament has a week to rule on the nomination of the 50-year-old Cerar, who was vague about his plans during the election campaign.

If he is approved, he will have 15 days to present his government lineup, which will also have to be approved by lawmakers.